Rockets Fired From Lebanon Land In Northern Israel

Rockets fired from Lebanon fell into Israel Sunday, possibly in response to the death of a Hezbollah leader. Above, an Israeli fire-fighting plane flies over a field in northern Israel, close to the Golan Heights and the border with Lebanon, Aug. 20, 2015. Photo: AFP/Getty Images

At least two rockets were fired from southern Lebanon into Israel Sunday, Agence France-Presse reported, citing a Lebanese security source. The Israeli military confirmed rockets had landed in the north.

"Two Katyusha rockets were fired from a Lebanese village 5 kilometers [about 3 miles] from the border with Israel," the Lebanese security source said.

The Israeli military indicated in a statement three rockets were fired. "Sirens sounded in northern Israel. Initial report suggests three rockets hit northern Israel. Forces are searching the area," it said. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage as the rockets landed in open areas near the city of Nahariya, the Times of Israel reported.

Troops with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and the Lebanese army were searching for the firing point, the Lebanese source told AFP. The rockets were apparently fired from a Hezbollah stronghold just after the death of Samir Kantar, a militant in the group who was notorious for killing three Israelis. Hezbollah said Kantar was killed Saturday night in an Israeli airstrike near the Syrian capital of Damascus, which was not confirmed by Israel.

Ynetnews reported the local Lebanese channel Al Mayadeen said there was an increase in activity by the Israeli air force over southern Lebanon, particularly around the city of Tyre, after the rocket firing. Israeli artillery units reportedly shelled areas in southern Lebanon following the rocket firing.

The Israeli military said in a statement it "considers the Lebanese army as solely responsible for what is happening in the territory and will continue to act against any attempt to harm the sovereignty of the state of Israel and the security of its citizens," the Times of Israel reported.

Although an Israeli official did not claim responsibility for Kantar's death, he did laud his demise. Yoav Gallant, Israel's construction and housing minister, told Israel Radio it's "good that people like Samir [Kantar] will not be part of our world," Reuters reported. Eight other people died during the same airstrike, the Associated Press reported. The Times of Israel said many in the northern reaches of the country had been bracing for a possible response to the death of Kantar.